A Delta Air Lines maintenance facility in Denver has become the airline’s 15th facility to earn OSHA Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Star status. Find out why the iconic carrier believes strongly in VPP and why it might be a wise choice for your organization.
Delta’s Technical Operations site was recognized earlier this month. Delta was the first major airline participant in VPP and is one of only five companies that is approved as a corporate participant in the prestigious program.
“We believe the ultimate foundation of dignity and respect for Delta people is the ability to work in a safe environment,” noted John Laughter, Delta’s senior vice president for corporate safety, security, and compliance. Like other VPP sites, Denver TechOps met a multipoint safety and health review and completed an intensive on-site inspection by OSHA VPP staff.
The site was recognized for a focused safety management system that addresses executive leadership and employee involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training.
Is VPP worth the effort for your business?
Participants agree that achieving VPP Star status is not simple—it takes a great deal of commitment and effort. But the benefits are impressive. According to OSHA, the average VPP worksite has a DART (days away, restricted, or transferred) of 52 percent below the average for its industry. The sites typically do not start out with such low rates. OSHA says reductions in injuries and illnesses begin when the facility commits to the VPP approach and begins the application process.
Fewer injuries and illnesses means greater profit as workers’ compensation premiums and other costs decline. OSHA says VPP worksites have saved more than a billion dollars since the program began in 1982. According to the agency, “Entire industries benefit as VPP sites evolve into models of excellence and influence practices industry-wide.”
Other benefits of VPP include:
- Increased morale and a sense of ownership among employees;
- An improved relationship between labor and management; and
- A cooperative working relationship between the worksite or company and OSHA.